§ 48. Mr. HARRISasked the Prime Minister if any agreement has been arrived at between the parties concerned about the construction of the proposed new Charing Cross Bridge; and if there is any limit of time to the offer of the Government to give financial assistance to the scheme?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have been asked to reply. The question of the proposed new bridge is the subject of active negotiation, and I cannot usefully say more at the present stage.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it necessary to take a couple of years to decide this question 1759 when the technical officials have already come to an agreement? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that meanwhile the temporary Waterloo Bridge is not improved by being retained?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware of the position with regard to the temporary Waterloo Bridge, and I think the hon. Gentleman can rely upon me pressing on the negotiations as quickly as possible.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say exactly how the matter stands Is it not a question between the Government and the London County Council?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNegotiations are going on between the Government, the London County Council and the Southern Railway at the present moment.
§ Mr. MacLARENAs there seems to be a great deal of doubt on this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to give the public information as to how the matter stands as between these public bodies?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir. I think while the negotiations are going on the fewer public statements that are made the better.